Is a Vasectomy Right for You?

Men looking for a permanent birth control solution may want to consider vasectomy. Though vasectomy surgery may be reversible, you should weigh all the pros and cons before you decide on the procedure.

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Men and women have many birth control options, as individuals and as couples. When a couple decides that they don't want to have any children — or any more children — exploring permanent birth control methods may be an option. For men, the procedure is called a vasectomy, and it’s not complex, but it is important to understand just what happens during vasectomy surgery.

Vasectomy is surgical sterilization that is performed by cutting tubes called the vas deferens, located inside the scrotum. This prevents sperm from being released into the semen. Your body can still produce sperm, but instead of being released, the sperm die, and the body absorbs them. In time, your body will produce fewer sperm. Men will still ejaculate, but the fluid will not contain any sperm. To be certain that the procedure was effective, your ejaculate will later be tested for sperm; until then, you’ll need to practice another birth control method.

The procedure is considered permanent, although there is a surgery — vasectomy reversal — that may be performed if you change your mind and decide that you want a child. Vasectomies are a popular form of contraception. In the United States, about one in six men over age 35 has had the procedure.

Types of Vasectomy Surgery

There are two types of vasectomies, one involves an incision and the other doesn't:

Conventional or incision vasectomy. This type of vasectomy surgery requires a tiny incision on both sides of the scrotum to reach the vas deferens. The vas deferens is cut and then sealed so that sperm cannot travel to the prostate and join with semen. A conventional vasectomy may require stitches, and there may be some bleeding.

No incision, no-scalpel, or non-surgical vasectomy. Instead of making an incision, with this newer, improved type of vasectomy surgery, a special tool is used to make a tiny hole in the skin and gently pull it open enough to reach the vas deferens. As with the traditional procedure, the vas deferens is then cut and sealed to prevent sperm from reaching the semen. Non-surgical vasectomy surgery doesn't require stitches, the bleeding and pain are minimal, and there are no scars. A non-surgical vasectomy also heals very quickly, and the procedure takes less time than a conventional vasectomy. Non-surgical vasectomy also minimizes the risk of complications like bruising and infection, but is just as effective as conventional vasectomy surgery.

The most common side effect from a vasectomy is epididymitis-orchitis, or painful swelling of the testis or the epididymis, the body part near the testis that stores sperm. The condition may occur within the first year of surgery; it usually clears up in a week’s time with heat treatments.

When Is Vasectomy a Good Choice?

Vasectomies are very effective forms of birth control; however, it isn't for everyone. Vasectomy surgery may be a good option for men who:

Know that they do not want to conceive any (or more) children

Understand that vasectomies are permanent forms of birth control and that vasectomy reversal is a very expensive and complicated procedure

Cannot or do not want to rely on other forms of birth control

Have decided with their partner that pregnancy would be unsafe for the female or for a fetus

If you and your partner are exploring methods of birth control, make sure that you understand what a vasectomy entails and that it is considered permanent birth control. For couples no longer considering having children, this may be the right choice.

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